Blackhawks’ Andrew Shaw Appears To Yell Gay Slur In Game 4 Loss To Blues

Hockey is a sport where emotions run wild, as demonstrated by fights, among other rowdy behavior. Sometimes, it’s a verbal incident that can make big news and cause controversy.

Blackhawks’ Andrew Shaw Appears To Yell Gay Slur In Game 4 Loss to Blues

That’s exactly what happened late in Game 4 between the Chicago Blackhawks and the St. Louis Blues on Tuesday night. Blackhawks forward Andrew Shaw was sent to the penalty box for interference with 2:04 left in the game and the Blues up 4-3.

Shaw quickly appeared livid about the call, flipping off the referees as he protested. Then, while in the box, the camera showed him in close up and he appeared to yell a homophobic slur at the officials.

“Emotions are high; I don’t know what’s said,” Shaw said after the loss. “I was obviously upset with the call, being late in game. It doesn’t give us a chance to tie it up.”

Pressed further about whether he used the slight, Shaw repeated, “I don’t know what I said,” but the damage was done, for him and the Blackhawks, who lost their second straight game at home against the Blues. Chicago now trails the series 3-1, the first time losing in a best-of-seven game series since a second-round playoff series with the Detroit Red Wings in 2013.

“We have to regroup tomorrow, go to St. Louis, get excited,” Blackhawks head coach Joel Quenneville said. “No pressure. Go try to win one game and come back here for Game 6. That’s gotta be the mindset.”

The game was marked by tension between the two teams, as Blackhawks goaltender Corey Crawford started a fight midway through the second period with Blues forward Robby Fabri after Fabri appeared to trip over him after attempting to shoot on a rebound. This resulted in four penalties, including a goaltender interference call on Fabri and a roughing call on Crawford.

The NHL announced on Wednesday that Shaw will be suspended one game and will be charged $5,000 for the incident.

Shaw and the Blackhawks both released the following statements on Wednesday afternoon:

“I am sincerely sorry for the insensitive remarks that I made last night while in the penalty box,” Shaw stated. “When I got home and saw the video, it was evident that what I did was wrong, no matter the circumstances. I apologize to many people, including the gay and lesbian community, the Chicago Blackhawks organization, Blackhawks fans and anyone else I may have offended. I know my words were hurtful and I will learn from my mistake.”

“We are extremely disappointed in Andrew Shaw’s actions last night. His comments do not reflect what we stand for as an organization,” the Blackhawks stated. “We are proud to have an inclusive and respectful environment, and to support various initiatives such as the You Can Play Project and the Chicago Gay Hockey Association. We will use this opportunity to further educate our players and organization moving forward, so that we all may learn from it.”

The two teams will next face each other for Game 5 at the Scottrade Center in St. Louis on Thursday.

CHICAGO, IL – FEBRUARY 13: Andrew Shaw #65 of the Chicago Blackhawks looks to pass against the Anaheim Ducks at the United Center on February 13, 2016 in Chicago, Illinois. The Ducks defeated the Blackhawks 3-2 in overtime. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images)